HIGH POINT, N.C., Feb. 2, 2015 – Research published by a High Point University faculty member provides new perspective in studying the behavioral characteristics of children with a rare neurodevelopmental disorder.
Dr. Kirsten Li-Barber, assistant professor of psychology, co-authored a journal article that describes problem-based behaviors in children with Williams syndrome, a genetic disorder characterized by developmental delays and learning disabilities as well as cardiovascular problems and other physical attributes. The article, titled “Parent and Teacher Perspectives about Problem Behavior in Children with Williams Syndrome,” was published by the American Association of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.
“Although personality and behavioral profiles of children with Williams syndrome already exist, most of the research has relied on only one source of information – parents – and it is possible that the problematic behavior that children with Williams syndrome exhibit may be different in different contexts,” Li-Barber says. “This study looked at both parent and teacher ratings of problem behavior and any age and gender differences that may exist.”
The results indicated that parents and teachers generally agree on the problematic behaviors they observe, but parents are more likely to pick up on mood- and attention-related difficulties, while teachers are more likely to observe emotional and behavioral problems. Also, children with Williams syndrome tended to show more anxiety as they got older, but few gender differences were observed.
Because the genetic profile of Williams syndrome is fairly well-known among researchers, behavioral profiles like this one, Li-Barber says, provide important information about the relationship between gene expression and behavior. In addition, her study shows the importance of getting the perspective of multiple individuals when describing a child’s behavior.
“Being able to engage in research like this at High Point University allows me to remain current in my field of study, and provide a relevant application to many of the developmental concepts I teach in class,” she says.